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US 11,994,096 B2Granted
Combined marine hydrokinetic energy harvesting from currents and waves
AssigneesThe Regents of the University of Michigan, Vortex Hydro Power LLC
InventorsMichael M. Bernitsas, Stergios I. Liapis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A VIVACE converter to harness energy from currents as well as from waves— that is, the present teachings provide a method and apparatus to collect energy from both currents and waves—using the same physical components. The present teachings are particularly useful in that either currents and/or waves may exist on their own nearly everywhere in the oceans and frequently coexist.
Claims11
A vortex induced vibration for aquatic clean energy (VIVACE) converter comprising:
- a plurality of bodies on spring elements configured to experience flow induced oscillation and wave-induced motions as a result of hydrokinetic energy from at least one of the group consisting of ocean currents, tides, rivers, and waves, wherein the spring elements comprise adjustable spring constants such that the plurality of bodies can comprise an adjustable natural period of oscillation to enable oscillation resonance of the plurality of bodies in response to incident waves to capture a maximum of incoming wave energy;
- and
- a controller configured to adjust the adjustable spring constants such that the natural period of oscillation of the plurality of bodies is equal to an incident wave period.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.